Sense: River Landscapes, Hiking Trails and Sensler Culture

The Gorges de la Singine show just how powerfully a river can shape a landscape: the canyon is more than 100 metres high, and over the centuries the Sense has cut through horizontal layers of molasse. Nature watching, hiking trails and cultural sites reveal different facets of Sense. When choosing a hotel, it may help to decide first whether you want to focus primarily on river landscapes and outdoor activities, Schwarzsee, or culture and history.

Experience river landscapes and nature

The Sense is one of Switzerland’s last major natural rivers and a habitat for numerous plants and animals. The Gorges de la Singine are listed in the Federal Inventory of Floodplains of National Importance. The nature reserve offers opportunities for nature watching and recreation. If you are interested in the dynamics of a floodplain and a free-flowing river, you can explore these themes through the Gantrisch Nature Park’s “Randonnées sur la Singine” (hikes along the Sense) group excursion. Accompanied by a guide, the group travels through the riverbed of the Sense. The route depends on the weather, water level and river dynamics; check the current details of the offer if you are planning to take part.

Hiking, water and trails at Schwarzsee

The Schwarzsee-Senseland hiking network covers around 200 kilometres and extends to Schafberg. At 2,239 metres above sea level, it is the region’s highest mountain. The hiking landscape combines gentle mountain scenery, an alpine lake and diverse flora and fauna. The ViaJacobi stage from Schwarzenburg to Fribourg offers another route: it follows the Sense and the Saane. This gives you a choice between a regional trail network and a specific pilgrimage route stage featuring two named rivers.

The Kneipp Trail around Schwarzsee features seven Kneipp experiences. The four-kilometre trail is free to use from spring until autumn; check seasonal details before your visit. Swimming, pedal boating and stand-up paddling are also available at the lake. If you are considering high-altitude trails, mountain hikes or bike tours, you can use the detachable two-person chairlift operated by Kaisereggbahnen as a point of reference: it takes visitors to Riggisalp, the starting point for these activities. Since operating hours may change, it is worth checking the current timetable before planning your trip.

There are also various mountain biking options. Plaffeien has a three-kilometre bike course where mountain bikers can practise riding over rough terrain at their own level. The bike park there also has a pump track with a natural surface and various obstacles designed to improve riding technique. For families, Raemy’s goat farm offers a visit that includes time in the barn, feeding young goats and tasting regional products. Visits can be booked and may be seasonal; check the current options in advance.

Cultural sites and Sensler history

Ueberstorf is home to two castles with distinct histories. Englisberg Castle was built at the beginning of the 16th century. Its architectural significance also lies in the fact that military considerations were no longer at the centre of its design. Ueberstorf Castle is a listed historic castle with a distinctive park and a venue for cultural gatherings; it also offers dining and cultural events. Check the current options in advance if you are planning a visit.

The Sensler Museum is housed in a typical Sensler wooden house dating from 1780 and tells the story of life and culture in the region over the centuries. Tours and other group appointments for groups of eight or more are available by prior arrangement. In Tafers, the St James Chapel stands on the Way of St James. Its exterior fresco, painted in 1769, depicts the legend of the hanging and the rooster miracle; a medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela also passes directly through Tafers. Senslerdeutsch is another part of regional culture: it is the everyday language in the Sense district and has around 30,000 speakers.

Those interested in castles and their locations will find the ruins of Obermaggenberg 890 metres above sea level, high above the Sense, in the Alterswil district within the municipality of Tafers. It is the only partially preserved castle in the Sense district. Comparing a preserved castle with a ruin offers a different perspective on regional history from a museum or pilgrimage route.

Seasonal traditions and regional products

During the Alpabzug Plaffeien, the herds return to the lowlands after spending four months grazing in the mountains, adorned with colourful decorations. The event is centred in Plaffeien village centre; up to 1,000 animals arrive throughout the day, although the number may vary from year to year. The Schwarzseeschwinget is the only mountain wrestling festival in southwestern Switzerland where the winners can earn a wreath. Its programme includes folk music, performances by the yodelling club and stone throwing. As event dates may change, it is a good idea to check the latest dates before visiting.

At Riggisalp, the alpine show dairy demonstrates how cheese is traditionally made over an open fire. From late May to mid-August, it produces Gruyère AOP d’alpage and Riggisalp Mutschlis; seasonal production dates may change. After maturing, the cheese can be sampled and purchased in the on-site restaurant. If you are planning a visit, check the latest information about production and the restaurant.

Discover more destinations: Schwarzsee, Ueberstorf, Plaffeien, Düdingen, Bösingen, Saint Antoni, Plasselb, Schmitten, Oberschrot, St. Ursen, Wünnewil-Flamatt, Tafers.

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